Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Gerenser.
Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up way out in the country in upstate New York. With no neighbors for miles and very few distractions, boredom became my greatest teacher. I filled the quiet with creativity, making jewelry, painting, refinishing furniture… honestly, if it involved my hands and some imagination, I gave it a try.
Later, I went to college and studied Theatre and Sociology, two majors I was passionate about, but I quickly realized they didn’t exactly come with a built-in career path. After graduation, I bounced around in retail. I worked in fine jewelry stores, spent some time slinging coffee at Starbucks, got married, had a couple of kids, but I still felt like something was missing.
Then one day, I was watercoloring with my two-year-old. We were making a mess, laughing, completely in the moment and it hit me: What if I could turn this feeling into something more? That spark led to Adventures in Bloom.
It didn’t happen overnight. There was a lot of trial and error, late nights, and saying “yes” to things I wasn’t quite ready for (but did anyway). I made mistakes, learned fast, and kept showing up.
Fast-forward to today: Adventures in Bloom is in its eighth year, and we’re now the proud owners of a brick-and-mortar shop in the heart of Downtown Apex, North Carolina. Every day, I get to create, connect, and grow something that started as a creative moment at my kitchen table.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The pandemic in 2020 completely redefined my business.
Before everything shut down, Adventures in Bloom was all about in-person workshops. That’s where we built our community, gathering around tables, creating together, sharing stories, and connecting through creativity. But when COVID hit, all of that disappeared overnight. Like so many small business owners, I found myself asking, what now?
We had to pivot fast. I shifted our focus to retail and online sales, not really knowing how it would play out. But to my surprise, the retail side of the business didn’t just survive, it flourished. Customers were still craving connection, joy, and beauty, and our gift shop became a place where they could find a little bit of all three. And when in-person events finally came back, the shop just kept growing. What started as a necessary pivot turned into a major part of who we are now.
But even as the business found its stride, I found myself wrestling with a much more personal challenge: mom guilt.
No one really prepares you for the emotional gymnastics that come with running a business and raising a family. Every day I ask myself, am I spending too much time on work? Am I missing out on moments I’ll never get back? It’s a constant internal tug-of-war, trying to give everything I’ve got to this business I’ve built from the ground up, while also showing up fully for my kids, my marriage, and myself.
I don’t have a perfect formula, but I do try to make intentional choices every day. I remind myself that building this business is part of the example I’m setting, especially for my children. I want them to see what passion looks like, what resilience looks like, what balance in real life actually means.
Some days, the scales tip one way. Some days, they tip the other. But I keep adjusting, keep showing up, and keep working toward that ever-elusive sweet spot where everyone, including me and the business, can thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
When I opened Adventures in Bloom, my vision was to build more than just a shop. I wanted to create a communal space for creative adventurers, a place where locals and visitors alike could feel inspired and supported. Nearly a decade later, that dream continues to flourish in Downtown Apex, North Carolina.
Walk into our bright, welcoming shop and you’ll immediately spot handmade treasures crafted by lots of talented artisans, from nearby North Carolina makers to curated creatives around the U.S. We carry everything from jewelry to seasonal accessories and thoughtful gift items. We pride ourselves on accessible price points, most items are under $20-making it easy to support small business without breaking the bank.
One of our most popular offerings is our permanent jewelry: choose a 14k gold‑filled or sterling silver chain, have it micro‑welded to your wrist, add charms and birthstones and voilà, a personalized piece that lasts. Anklets and necklaces are also available, and the whole process takes under 15 minutes.
Our signature offering is our Metal Stamping Workshop. During these sessions, we guide participants through designing and crafting custom items like necklaces, keychains, bookmarks, bracelets, ornaments, you name it. This craft is perfect for everyone ages 7 and up and makes for a great family outing!
The Charm Bar and Bead Bar are brand new! Create custom pieces and enjoy time with your friends.
We also host private events, team‑buildings, or birthday parties tailored for all ages, even for non‑crafters! Guests are welcome to bring snacks or drinks and fully immerse themselves in a collaborative and creative experience.
Every offering at Adventures in Bloom circles back to one core belief: creativity builds community. Whether you’re shopping for a one‑of‑a‑kind gift or stamping your initials onto a keepsake, you’re part of something bigger, a space where artistry, connection, and small‑town charm come together.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Resilience.
Without a doubt, resilience has been the most important ingredient in my journey as a business owner. It isn’t glamorous. It’s quiet. It looks like late nights, messy middle moments, and getting up again and again. But for me, it’s also been the secret to building something real, something that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adventuresinbloom.com
- Instagram: @adventuresinbloom
- Facebook: @adventuresinbloom
